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John Matshikiza (26 November 1954 – 15 September 2008)

A poet, actor, writer, activist… John Matshikiza is one of our most profilic creative professionals. John Matshikiza was born in Sophiatown to world renown composer and jazz artists Todd Matshikiza.

John Matshikiza went into exile in 1961 after his father, then part of the legendary production King Kong, went to London. He then came back to South Africa in 1990 following the release of Nelson Mandela.

John Matshikiza’s contribution to society includes helping to form the cultural wing of the ANC, Mayibuye. He also wrote for theatre, film and television and directed dramas and doccies. He also wrote columns for Business Day and Weekender.

We know him mostly as an actor in films like There’s a Zulu on my Stoep, The Air Up There and Hijack Stories.